I got $300 i'm looking to spend towards my first performance upgrade and undecided in which direction i want to go. I have nothing performance towards my car yet and was leaning towards the intake side. I've really been liking the SSRA($200) then getting a new lid($90). But i'm also seeing the SLP package for about $280 which is the underside air dam kit, smooth bellow, lid, and their brand filter. Whats everyone opinions on this? Or any other directions you would go in. Thanks in advance.

 

Lid,filter, exhaust, headers.. Do you have a 6spd or auto? If 6spd alot of our customers do pro 5.0 shifters first so you don't bend a shift fork....

 

my bad, guess this would help....A4 with flows...

 

$300...lid, cutout and lower control arms.

 

^ YEp..

Lid, Filter (if you want one), CAGS eliminator on an M6 and maybe a Magnaflow cat back..

LCA's too!! That'll take care of that embarrassing wheel hop!

 

OMG dont waste $ on the filter!

geesh...
Panel filters vs aftermarket Panel filters will not net you any performance gain. Dont be fooled into thinking that $30-50 filter is good for anything other than cosmetic enhancement.
Thats been proven..

Lid is a lid is a lid.. So you do get a gain from them.. just pick the one you like the looks of best. I personally would just find the cheapest one off ebay or the message boards..

What would I do with the $300 if I really wanted performance out of my car? I would save it.. Plan on something real performance wise and then once the $ is there, do it.. Cam? Headers? Something substantial that nets a true gain. Not these 8-10 hp mods..

But, if you are dead set on getting something.. then I have a formula I use.
First you decide on the net result.. Do you want to drag? AutoX? both? Once you have what you net goal is, then figure what is lacking right now... Traction or power? The balance btw these two is what will yeild you the best performance.. so.. If you need traction work on those parts.. LCA, Panhard, Airbags, springs and shocks... If you need power then add more... Again choosing how you will get it is key and how much you want to apply.. I am going to guess that traction is your issue right now. Beef that up some and you will get the most of your future mods.

No fun to lose to a slower car because you cant hook up.

 

Lid and Longtubes should be your next mods.

Traction comes by using a stickier tire. No need to mod the suspension unless you're doing road racing/autox.

 

^ I think it's actually the 1LE bushings in the LCA's that make the difference w/ those.

 

first mods for power....gotta get the engine to breath.

DEFINATLY get a lid
the SSRA is a nice unit...i love mine...but initially your $ could be spent elsewhere.
exhaust....the flowmaster is about the worst exhaust setup sold.

get a cutout installed for under $100

save the last $100 towards your next mods....

 

So my rod linked PHB and LCA's, along with my HD torque arm did nothing for my car in the 1/4 or 60'?

 

He clearly meant street vs. track. "1/4" and "60'" are track-relevant terms right?

I would take a nice set of DRs over and LCA/TA/PHB on the street any day of the week. And I know from experience.

 

A performance torque converter is the best bang for the buck.

SteveC

 

He clearly said, no need unless your auto-x or road racing, inferring they do nothing in the 1/4.

They made a difference on the street too. Definitely helped the Nittos do their thing. If it was one or the other, then the tires, but together, they do very well, street or track. I also know from experience

 

Nittos, BFG DRs, ET Street Radials, etc. Take your pick. I've seen multiple cars going 1.4x-1.5x with no suspension work at the track. It's just not necessary. If the tire is sticky enough, it'll hook up.

 

So have I, but to say thier useless parts on the track is not true.